Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions for the Home - Going Green

People around the world are aware of the potentially dangerous chemicals found in many of the household products used to clean their homes. Chemicals linger in the air well after cleaning and some leave residue on surfaces accessible by little hands. There are alternative options available that clean, deodorize, and disinfect your home safely, without the harsh chemicals found in traditional cleaning products. As reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, “The toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution.”

• The most obvious benefit of non-toxic cleaners is the absence of harmful chemicals circulating in the home.
• Consumers save money using safe products already found in the home.

• Toxic cleaners affect the home as well as the outside environment accessed by the toxins in the air, plumbing drains, and during discarding methods. The Earth benefits when safer methods are used by everyone

Borax

Pure grain alcohol or Vodka (Isopropyl alcohol and bleach are toxic)

Baking Soda

Corn Starch

Lemon (citrus fruits)

Vinegar

Non-toxic Liquid Soap

Tub and Tile

1. Mix 1 2/3 cups baking soda with ½ cup liquid “soap” in a bowl.
2. Pour ½ cup water to dilute.
3. Add two tablespoons vinegar.
4. Stir with a fork to smooth out lumps.
5. Pour into a 16 ounce squeeze container with squirt cap. (Mixture will be too thick to use with most spray bottles.)
6. Squirt on tub, tiles, toilets, and counter tops, wipe clean, and rinse.

Keep the bottle closed to avoid hardening. Shake well before re-using.

Drain Cleaner

1. For light drain cleaning, add ½ cup salt to four liters hot water.
2. Pour slowly down the drain to clean.

OR

1. For hard to clean drains, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain.
2. Pour ½ cup of vinegar down the drain.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Pour boiling water to clear residue. (Only use this method with metal piped plumbing. Avoid this method if a commercial drain solution has been used previously.)

Cleaning Surfaces

1. Mix two cups water, three tablespoons vinegar and one teaspoon borax together in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well until everything is dissolved.
3. Add one teaspoon liquid soap (non-toxic) and gently rotate back and forth to mix.
4. Spray onto surface and wipe clean.
5. For tough stains leave mixture on the surface for a few minutes then wipe clean.

Air Deodorizer

1. Drop your favorite scented essential oil, cinnamon sticks or orange peel into a pot of water and allow to simmer for several hours.
2. Enjoy!

Garbage Disposal Deodorizer

1. For garbage disposal units, drop lemon or orange peels and ice into the unit and grind.

Considerations

The chemicals found in traditional cleaning products are very strong to be effective. Be aware that some of the non-toxic mixtures may take longer to clean effectively. The mixture may require more than one application or may need to sit on the surface longer to get the desired result.

Caution

This information is offered in an attempt to reduce the number of toxic chemicals found in the home as well as the environmental harm associated with the use, manufacture, and disposal of toxins. Results cannot be guaranteed 100 percent safe and effective. Test a small hidden area of all surfaces before applying. As with all cleaning products, do not ingest mixtures and keep away from children. Label containers carefully and store in a safe place.

http://www.epa.gov/- United States Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=two708&q=3two3960&depNav_GID=1763 – Department of Energy and Environmental Protection